Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum It is one of the most striking examples of 20th-century architecture, as architect Frank Gehry used 33,000 extremely thin sheets of titanium to create its curious curved shapes. Having become an icon of the city, it houses one of the most important private collections of modern and contemporary art in the world. Old Town Glass-walled viewpoints, century-old shops and buildings with centuries of history make up the most traditional area of Bilbao. The Santiago Cathedral and its beautiful tree-lined cloister, the Arriaga Theatre and the Church of San Nicolás are just some of the most emblematic monuments in the Old Town and its famous  Seven Streets, the true heart of the city.  Bilbao Town Hall Opened in 1892, it holds a secret inside: the fascinating  Arab Room. Its peculiar decoration mixes Renaissance, Baroque and Arabic elements, the product of an attempt in the 19th century to recover earlier artistic styles. Museum of Fine Arts Its collection is one of the most important in all of Spain. It comprises more than 10,000 pieces, spanning from the 13th century to the present day, by prestigious artists such as: El Greco, Goya, Zuloaga, Francis Bacon, Miquel Barceló or Antoni Tàpies. La Ribera Market An eclectic and monumental building next to the Bilbao estuary, featuring stained glass windows, latticework and other striking Art Deco elements. Its column-free interior structure allows the overhead light entering through the ceiling to pass through the translucent floors, generating a superb natural light throughout the building.   Euskalduna Conference Centre Located in the city centre, the building represents the last ship built in the old shipyard and is another architectural symbol. Awarded the Apex Award for 'Best Congress Centre in the World 2003' by the International Association of Conference Centres (AIPC), its facilities are characterised by their versatility and ability to adapt to any event. Its auditorium, with exceptional acoustics and an impressive organ, hosts major opera performances and concerts of all kinds. San Mamés stadium Built in 2013 to modernise the facilities of its legendary stadium, it is another icon of the city's avant-garde architecture. The San Mamés Museum and Tour is ideal for experiencing the perfect blend of tradition and modernity that is so characteristic of Bilbao. The new San Mamés has three restaurants with menus for all tastes and privileged views to enjoy the big matches. Mount Artxanda A century-old funicular, departing from the Campo Volantín area offers fantastic views of Bilbao and the Nervión estuary from the Artxanda mountain viewpoint. It is considered one of the city's main green spaces and also houses well-known restaurants and even a golf course.

Book a trip on the Bilboats to sail with the family along the Bilbao estuary. The journey takes about 60 minutes, from the Town Hall bridge to the Ribera de Zorrotzaurre. Another ideal plan is to visit the Itsasmuseum Bilbao maritime museum, with restored ships, models and modern simulators to explore the city's maritime history. Outside, on the dry dock, you'll find La Gabarra, the famous vessel used by the Athletic Club football team to celebrate their victories. And without a doubt, an exciting experience is to cross the Bizkaia Bridge that connects Portugalete and Getxo, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for being considered a marvel of the European Industrial Revolution and iron architecture. You will enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view of the estuary from the top of its upper walkway, at a height of approximately 45 metres. 

Visiting Bilbao means tasting its colorful pintxos or small bites that combine ingredients of all kinds: Vegetables, meat, fish, cheeses, pickles, bread, puff pastry... One of the most popular areas to do so is the monumental Plaza Nueva, whose arcades are home to bars and cafes where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere. Bilbao is also one of Spain's top culinary destinations, known for its wide range of steakhouses and restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars.

In the Old Town you can find everything from modern fashion brands to traditional shops where you can buy accessories, footwear or crafts. The Ensanche and Indautxu areas have the largest and most elegant establishments in the city for all types of shopping. Plus, around the Gran Vía and its perpendicular streets, you'll find the 'Golden Mile,' home to the most exclusive brands. You also have the Bidarte shopping centre in the popular Deusto neighbourhood, which features a floor dedicated to gourmet food and delicatessen, as well as Zubiarte in the heart of Bilbao, known for its sophisticated design.

Bilbao Airport is located approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre and has direct connections to more than a dozen countries. It is also possible to reach Bilbao by train and bus from other destinations in Spain and Europe, arriving at its central stations, Bilbao-Abando and Bilbao Intermodal. The motorways and roads that connect the entire Basque Country are another good option if you choose to travel by car. There is also a regular ferry line with connections to the United Kingdom.